Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

What is Diabetic Ketoacidosis?

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious complication of diabetes that occurs when your body produces high levels of ketones due to insufficient insulin. This condition can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Warning Signs and Symptoms

• Early symptoms:

  • Excessive thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • High blood sugar levels
  • Fatigue

• Progressive symptoms:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Sweet or fruity breath odor
  • Rapid breathing
  • Confusion

Causes

• Insufficient insulin levels
• Missed insulin doses
• Illness or infection
• Physical or emotional stress
• Certain medications

Risk Factors

• Type 1 diabetes
• History of DKA
• Poor diabetes management
• Limited access to medical care
• Adolescence or young adulthood

Prevention

1. Regular monitoring:

   • Check blood sugar levels frequently
   • Test for ketones when blood sugar is high

2. Medication adherence:

   • Take insulin as prescribed
   • Never skip doses

3. Sick-day management:

   • Continue taking insulin
   • Monitor more frequently
   • Stay hydrated

Treatment

DKA requires immediate emergency medical treatment, including:

• Intravenous fluids
• Insulin therapy
• Electrolyte replacement
• Continuous monitoring

When to Seek Emergency Care

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Blood sugar above 240 mg/dL with ketones
• Severe vomiting
• Difficulty breathing
• Confusion or disorientation

Long-term Management

• Work closely with healthcare providers
• Maintain good blood sugar control
• Learn to recognize early warning signs
• Keep emergency contact information handy

Additional Resources

• American Diabetes Association
• Local diabetes education programs
• Support groups
• Emergency medical ID jewelry